Dive into Coral Reefs
Explore the Rain Forests of the Sea
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), Coral reefs are some of the most diverse
ecosystems in the world.
Coral polyps, the animals primarily
responsible for building reefs, can take many forms: large reef building
colonies, graceful flowing fans, and even small, solitary organisms.
Thousands of species of corals have been discovered; some live in warm,
shallow, tropical seas and others in the cold, dark depths of the ocean.
Because of the diversity of life found in the habitats created by
corals, reefs are often called the
"rainforests of the sea." About 25% of the ocean's fish
depend on healthy coral reefs. Fishes and other organisms shelter, find
food, reproduce, and rear their young in the many nooks and crannies
formed by corals.
Corals live with algae in a type of relationship called
symbiosis. This means the organisms cooperate with each
other. The algae, called zooxanthellae, live inside the corals,
which provide a tough outer shell made from calcium carbonate. In return
for that protection, the algae provide their host with food produced
through photosynthesis. Zooxanthellae also provide corals with
their striking colors.
This symbiotic relationship is strongly dependent on the temperature of
the surrounding water. As the water warms, zooxanthellae are
expelled from a coral’s tissue, causing it to lose its color and a major
source of food. This process is known as
“coral bleaching.”
Coral bleaching does not always mean the death of a coral reef. Corals can recover their zooxanthellae in time, but the process requires cooler temperatures.
Click here to learn more about coral reefs.The Reef Life Foundation has the "Gift a Reef" initiative. Your coral reef donations install coral reef habitats in areas affected by Hurricanes. Every $25 donation adds one new Coral Reef Garden to the ocean. Your gift will be in the form of a donation that can be on behalf of friends, family, or yourself.